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Kies de Nederlandse taal
Course module: 200700018
200700018
Criminal behaviour during the lifecourse
Course info
Course code200700018
EC7.5
Course goals
Upon finishing this course the student is able to:

•        determine and describe core issues, theories, research findings and policies in the field of criminal behavior during a life cycle
•        apply general knowledge -on criminal behavior during a life cycle- to concrete issues pertaining to crime and maintaining law and order
Content
During this course issues on theories, research findings and policies in the field of criminal behavior during a life cycle are the main objectives.

First of all, the subject of describing criminal behavior during a life cycle wilI be dealt with. How many people commit a crime during their lives? And, for those having commited a crime: in what way varies the development of criminal behavior among persons. I.e. in how far does the age of offenders starting their criminal path differ from the age that they end their criminal activities, as well as the size and seriousness of their committed offenses. Are there any offenders who specialize in certain areas of crimes?

Subsequently, the course will pay extensive attention to the statements for (explanations of) diversity in developing criminal behavior throughout a course of lifetime. A well-known given is the fact that a lot of young criminals shake their wild years as they grow older/mature. However, there are offenders who will keep on going until well into their adulthood. Why do most offenders stop, where others do not? In order to explain the development of criminal behavior it is important to look at various factors: personal features –both biological as well as psychological-, features of social environment (family and friends) and the complex way these features influence each other. Also, the effects of major life events will be discussed, such as: marriage, becoming parents and finding a (paid) job. The course entails a state of the art theory on the main explanations in its field and provides an overview of the most important research findings.

Thirdly, extensive attention will be given to policies and its implications. Important questions to find an answer to, are: in how far can one accurately predict the development of criminal behavior? In how far leads the execution of policies –that are invasive to the personal features and the features of social environment- to an effective and efficient decrease of the crime rate?

The course is important for each and every student who will work with policy making, well fare issues or research matters when dealing with the development, prevention and controlling of criminal behavior.
 
Expertise on the level of bachelor-1 modules from Social Science is required.

Academic skills
  • analytical capabilities/skills (problem solving)
  • theoretical skills
  • research abilities
  • policy analytical skills
  • communication (and social behavior) skills
  • academic learning (cap)ability
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Kies de Nederlandse taal